Who Can Participate in a Cancer Clinical Trial?

Because each trial is designed to answer specific questions — what percentage of patients benefit from a new therapy? which patients are most likely to benefit? what are the most common side effects and how severe are they? — individual trials tend to be open to specific sets of patients.  

Understanding Eligibility Criteria

Clinical trials have specific requirements for participation, known as eligibility criteria. These criteria ensure that the trial is suitable for the participants and can provide accurate results. Several factors determine eligibility:

• Type or subtype of cancer
• Stage of disease  
• Co-existing health issues  
• Previous treatments 

At Dana-Farber, clinical trials are available for patients at any stage in their cancer treatment. There are trials of new treatments for patients who have not received treatment as well as those who have received one or more treatments already.

Enrollment Process

Before joining a trial, participants receive a thorough briefing. A clinician explains the trial's purpose, potential benefits and risks, and the treatment schedule. Patients are given a written document called informed consent, which they can review. To enroll, patients must sign this consent form, witnessed by their doctor.

Learn more about what to expect during a cancer clinical trial.